Chapter 10: Center of Gravity
In this chapter, we learned about center of gravity and learned how this concept can be applied to balancing and stability.
10.1-Center of Gravity
For an object with definite size and shape, the single point that represents that object is known as the center of gravity
The center of gravity of an object is the point located at the object's average position of weight
The center of gravity for a symmetrical object such as a baseball would be in the geometric center of the object
For an irregularly shaped object, such as a baseball bat, the center of gravity would be towards the heavier end because of the uneven distribution of weight among the bat
Objects not mad of the same material throughout may have the center of gravity far from the geometric center Ex: hollow ball that is half filled with lead. The center of gravity would be in the lead part instead of the geometric center.
Because of the shape, the bat's center of gravity is towards the heavier end
10.2-Center of Mass
Center of gravity can also be considered the center of mass, which is known as the average position of all the particles of mass that make up an object.
These terms are interchangeable for most objects on earth
There can be a small difference between center of gravity and center of mass when an object is large enough for gravity to vary from one part to another Ex: World Trade Center
10.3-Locating the center of gravity
To find the center of gravity in:
Uniformed object - geometric center
Complex objects - suspend the object from different points, while tracing a line straight down frrom the suspension point, and finally repeat steps and see where the lines intersect
An object does not need matter to exist in that place to have a center of gravity
Ex. A Donut - In this case the donuts center of mass is the whole in the middle of the donut that contains no matter
Every object contacts a surface in one or more points
As long as the center of gravity of an object remains above or hanging below the support base, the object will remain in place
However, if the center of gravity moves out and away from the object's support base, it will topple over
The rule for toppling: If the CG of an object is above the area of support, the object will remain upright. If the CG extends outside the area of support, the object will topple.
Why does the Tower of Piza not topple? Because its still over its support base.
A vertical line below the Center of gravity falls inside the base
10.5
Objects with no net force can be either be easy or hard to tip
This all depends on the size of the support base and where the objects center of gravity is located
Types of Stability:
Unstable Equilibrium- When an object is placed on the edge of the support base and a small push will topple the object
Stable Equilibrium- When an object is pushed slightly but it returns to its original position
10.6
Your center of gravity is normally 2 to 3 cm below your navel and midway between your front and back
Center of gravity is lower in women than men because women are larger in the pelvis and smaller in the shoulders
Why can you bend over and touch your toes but bend over against a wall and not be able to touch your toes? This is because you are unable to adjust your body and your center of gravity is outside of where your feet lie.
In this chapter, we learned about center of gravity and learned how this concept can be applied to balancing and stability.
10.1-Center of Gravity
10.2-Center of Mass
- Center of gravity can also be considered the center of mass, which is known as the average position of all the particles of mass that make up an object.
- These terms are interchangeable for most objects on earth
- There can be a small difference between center of gravity and center of mass when an object is large enough for gravity to vary from one part to another Ex: World Trade Center
10.3-Locating the center of gravity10.4-Toppling
- A vertical line below the Center of gravity falls inside the base
10.510.6